For the second season in a row, the New England Patriots used their first-round draft pick to take a left tackle. In 2025, that was Will Campbell. Then, in 2026, it became Caleb Lomu, as protecting Drake Maye is clearly the team’s priority.
The plan for Lomu is still up in the air a little bit. However, one thing is clear, and that’s that the Patriots expect him to develop into a starting tackle. The question is whether that’s at left tackle or right tackle.
One former New England Patriots player who took notice of that was two-time Super Bowl Champion David Andrews. The former center knows the importance of good line play, and now he’s shared that he does expect Lomu to push Campbell.
“I think this is somebody who can push Will Campbell. Right? Like, in training camp. Is there a guy on the roster where you’re really looking to see someone develop right now at tackle? I don’t know. Marcus Bryant, maybe a little bit… This is a guy that’s gonna come in, work both positions. Hopefully push, drive Will,” Andrews said on Zolak & Bertrand.
“Competition is the greatest thing ever. We drafted Ted Karras, my second year and I felt like every training camp going into it, if I didn’t have a good training camp, they’d just give the job to Ted… I think that’s great to have that competition. I think is a guy that needs some development in some areas, but as a swing tackle, you’re able to do that.”
The New England Patriots Have Stood by Will Campbell at Left Tackle
GettyNew England Patriots left tackle Will Campbell
The end of the 2026 season, and in particular the New England Patriots’ playoff run, which left a sour taste in the mouth for many regarding Will Campbell. The former top pick had always been knocked for his arm length as a tackle, and then, coming off a knee injury, he struggled.
That led to plenty of calls for Campbell to get moved off left tackle. Those calls were coming from outside the house, though, as the Patriots have stood by Campbell.
“Specifically, when he came back from that injury, I personally didn’t see the same level of lower body strength that you saw before the injury,” EVP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf said.
“I think the film (showed) that, like he probably had three of his four worst games in the playoffs. But before that, I thought Will played really well out here. I know everyone talks about the arm length, but he has a set of skills that enable him to play with that arm length. He’s really quick out of his stance. He’s technically sound. He’s adding more and more different pass sets to his tool bag that he can use to combat different rushes. And again, he’s 22 years old, and we expect some improvement out of him as well.”
At the same time, by taking Caleb Lomu, there will be that pressure on Campbell. If he struggles again, the team has another option, even if it isn’t their ideal.
The Expectations for Caleb Lomu in New England
GettyNew England Patriots draft pick Caleb Lomu
There is no doubt that Caleb Lomu is going to need some time to develop. That includes adding some muscle to his frame. At the same time, he’s only 21 years old and has plenty of time to keep maturing.
Ahead of the NFL Draft, Lance Zierlein broke down what he saw from Lomu. He noted Lomu is an excellent pass protector with work needed in the run game. However, he also saw Lomu as a work in progress for the Patriots.
“Two-year starting left tackle who is still in the early stages of his development,” Zierlein wrote. Utah’s run game leaned heavily on movement and misdirection, preventing Lomu from firing out and showing his power. His run blocking trails his pass protection, but improved pad level and a nastier demeanor could close the gap. In protection, he shows good balance with adequate foot quickness, landing quick, well-timed punches and using a firm grip to control rushers once he’s in. His anchor was rarely stressed by power and his athletic recoveries are average. Lomu flashes but is still under construction. His play could improve rapidly with strength gains and additional coaching.”
In an ideal world, as David Andrews mentioned, Lomu could develop as a swing tackle. That way, when the time comes, he could either step in for the aging Morgan Moses at right tackle or move Will Campbell off left tackle.
Patriots Legend David Andrews Expects Caleb Lomu to Push Will Campbell at Tackle